World Cup winner Simone Perrotta confirmed he is going to hang up his boots, but would like to stay at Roma.

The midfielder will turn 36 in September and feels it is time to call it a day.

“I definitely won’t stay on at Roma as a player,” he told Teleradiostereo this morning.

“I don’t think I’ll continue playing at all, in fact, as I’d prefer to end my career as an ex-Roma player rather than the ex of another club. I wanted to finish my playing days with this jersey and I feel it’s the right thing to do.

“It is possible my story with Roma could continue in a different way. It is only right their project continue moving forward with the players they consider to be valid.”

Perrotta, born in Ashton and winner of the 2006 World Cup with Italy, makes it clear he was not wanted by new Coach Rudi Garcia.

“As I arrived at Roma quietly, it’s only right that I leave quietly too. Next year will certainly be better, especially as it’s difficult to be worse!

“The club has plans and will spend money to reinforce the squad, while the Coach seems a good person who won in France and can have success here.”

Perrotta managed two goals in 16 Serie A games this season, plus one appearance in the Coppa Italia. He was on the bench for the Coppa Italia Final, a 1-0 defeat to Lazio.

“The real regret is my last game, which shouldn’t have ended that way and it’s a painful disappointment I will probably never get over. That’s not how it was supposed to end.”